Derek Carr might be throwing to someone with the same nine letters in his name, as the Raiders will sign tight end Derek Carrier, a source told the Bay Area News Group.

NFL Networks Ian Rapoport, who noted the deal is for three years, first reported the news.

Free agency doesnt officially begin until 1 p.m. PST Wednesday, but thats hardly stopped the mayhem with teams coming to verbal agreements with highly coveted players such as Kirk Cousins, Case Keenum, Sammy Watkins, Malcolm Butler and others. Oakland has yet to make a big splash in that department, but perhaps its because the market for some areas of need are far too much for Reggie McKenzie and Jon Grudens liking.

Carrier began his career in Oakland in 2012 as an undrafted free agent wide receiver but didnt make the 53-man roster. That was McKenzies first year as general manager, and Carrier went on to play for the 49ers, Washington and the Rams. He has been coached by Jay Gruden, Jons younger brother, and Sean McVay, whos patterned much of his offense and way of operating after Jon.

Carrier has played in 45 career games, catching 36 passes for 327 yards and one touchdown. He caught eight passes for 71 yards with the Rams last season.

Tight end Lee Smith will become an unrestricted free agent on Wednesday afternoon, and well see how the Raiders feel about his future in Oakland. Smith is primarily a blocking tight end, and Gruden professed his liking for those at the combine in Indianapolis. The Raiders also still have starting tight end Jared Cook under contract.

Other notable tidbits from the Raiders this week:

As always, stay tuned to bayareanewsgroup.com and mercurynews.com for all your Raiders free-agency news.

Cornerback Trumaine Johnson chooses the Jets

The top free-agent cornerback will sign with the Jets on Wednesday, and hell hardly go for cheap. According to NFL Network, Johnson will make around $15 million per year, though its unknown how long the deal is for.

Given that price, its possible the Raiders were never truly in the running for the 28-year-old with 18 career interceptions.

Oakland still has a glaring need at cornerback, left with only Gareon Conley as a projected starter after releasing both David Amerson and Sean Smith. Dexter McDonald and Antonio Hamilton are the other two cornerbacks under contract, and TJ Carrie has interest from the Broncos, according to CBS Sports, since hes set to hit unrestricted free agency on Wednesday.

Another top cornerback on the market, former Patriot Malcolm Butler, is getting a reported five-year, $61 million deal with the Titans. Oakland chose not to fork over heaps of cash for either, so well see what McKenzie, Gruden and Co. do with the position come the official start off free agency.